DIY Bratwurst and Hot Dog Bar

Make game day easy by preparing a simple, delicious Bratwurst and Hot Dog Bar. It’s a smart play that keeps guests satisfied and lets you cheer on your team, too!

Use Your Slow CookerAdd your hot dogs or bratwurst – I like to use a variety of cheddar brats, beer brats and classic bratwurst – to the slow cooker the morning of the big game. Add enough beef broth to reach halfway up the brats, then add one beer and one chopped onion. Turn your slow cooker on high for about four hours and your brats will be tender, flavorful and ready to go when your guests arrive.

Prep Your CondimentsOne of the things I find tricky about a buffet with a bunch of condiments is balancing your plate and wrestling with bottle lids and screw tops at the same time, trying not to drop ketchup or sauces down the sides of the bottles. Plus, the bottles can get crusty after a big party. My solution is to set out a tray of inexpensive mason jars - I keep a giant stockpile of them - and dispense the various mustards, BBQ sauces and relishes into them. This can be done the night before. Put the lids on, stick them in the refrigerator, then pull them out just in time for the party. Guests can easily spoon sauces one-handed onto their plates with small spoons or forks. As the sauces get low, fill them up from the bottles as needed.

Here is my list of must-have condiments:

BBQ sauce (1 or 2 varieties)

Ketchup

Course-grain mustard

Pickle relish

Onion/pepper relish

Chopped onions

Sauerkraut

Shredded cheese

Whatever toppings you decide to serve up, don’t forget to relax and just enjoy the big game!